Note: Like other plays we have dealt with, the construction of this play is unique and often challenging to readers. It generally works well on the stage but not so well in the study. So, the questions posed about the construction of the play do not easily follow Ball’s method of analysis. So, I have taken the liberty to change up some of the questions.
1. You may identify the stasis in the play but it isn’t necessarily at the beginning of the play. Where is it and who does it involve? NOTE: Do not assume that the stasis of the play is the same as the stasis of the video version that you are required to see. Only discuss the play in this and answers to the following questions.
The stasis occurs when the first 6 or so sections are brought forward. Then voices come together to form connections between the two groups. The first 6 sections are Mirrors, Identity, hair, Race, Rhythm, and Seven Verses.
2. Ball points out that the intrusion sometimes occurs late in the dramatic action. What is the intrusion that breaks the stasis in Fires in the MIrror and how is it broken?
The intrusion: During the Crown Heights Section in Brooklyn, 1991 (August I think). An interesting aspect is that the stasis of this section is actually broken by a character pointing blame at another community.
3. Why do the events of the play take place at this particular time and place? In other words, what is the unique factor that is out of the ordinary that causes a turn of events to take place? Hint: the unique factor may have something to do with you? How does the title figure in your answer?
The Unique Factor is actually the month of of August in 1991 where two kids are struck by a car, bringing tension to a head.
4. State the dramatic questions that must be answered by the end of the play? (Ordinarily, the dramatic question shares a close connection with the intrusion.)
The Dramatic question is What will happen between the communities. The death of the guy Cato is what sparked off both communities and no one know's how it will play out.
5. Use the narrator of the work to answer the questions concerning character. Ball says, a character is revealed by what he/she does, ie. The dramatic actions that are taken. Examine what these particular characters wants. The wants of a character often encounter obstacles that get in the way of achieving those wants. Ball says there are 4 kinds of obstacles that frustrate the wants of a character. They are: a. Me against myself, b. Me against another individual, c. Me against society (that is law, social norms, etc.) and, d. Me against fate, the universe, natural forces, God or the gods. In answering these questions be sure to point to the particular obstacles that demonstrate these obstacles facing the narrator.
I'd like to discuss the Rabbi. The Rabbi was against society because he was present to hear some of the insults about Nazi's not completing their Job. The character in the Diner was present to see actual violence start between individuals and had to escape with the reporting crew. This is an example of Me vs. another individual or individuals. Then the kid who was actually there and saw the man hit the kids. He was confronting the man and claimed he was drunk, accusing him of being drunk. He faces another individual in this regard.
6. The most important information in most plays takes place during theatrical moments. Identify the most theatrical moments in Fires in the Mirror.
The most theatrical moment is how Cato's father made an appearance and mourns his passing. I was blindsided and wasn't expecting it at all.
Note: Like other plays we have dealt with, the construction of this play is unique and often challenging to readers. It generally works well on the stage but not so well in the study. So, the questions posed about the construction of the play do not easily follow Ball’s method of analysis. So, I have taken the liberty to change up some of the questions.
1. You may identify the stasis in the play but it isn’t necessarily at the beginning of the play. Where is it and who does it involve? NOTE: Do not assume that the stasis of the play is the same as the stasis of the video version that you are required to see. Only discuss the play in this and answers to the following questions.
The stasis occurs when the first 6 or so sections are brought forward. Then voices come together to form connections between the two groups. The first 6 sections are Mirrors, Identity, hair, Race, Rhythm, and Seven Verses.
2. Ball points out that the intrusion sometimes occurs late in the dramatic action. What is the intrusion that breaks the stasis in Fires in the MIrror and how is it broken?
The intrusion: During the Crown Heights Section in Brooklyn, 1991 (August I think). An interesting aspect is that the stasis of this section is actually broken by a character pointing blame at another community.
3. Why do the events of the play take place at this particular time and place? In other words, what is the unique factor that is out of the ordinary that causes a turn of events to take place? Hint: the unique factor may have something to do with you? How does the title figure in your answer?
The Unique Factor is actually the month of of August in 1991 where two kids are struck by a car, bringing tension to a head.
4. State the dramatic questions that must be answered by the end of the play? (Ordinarily, the dramatic question shares a close connection with the intrusion.)
The Dramatic question is What will happen between the communities. The death of the guy Cato is what sparked off both communities and no one know's how it will play out.
5. Use the narrator of the work to answer the questions concerning character. Ball says, a character is revealed by what he/she does, ie. The dramatic actions that are taken. Examine what these particular characters wants. The wants of a character often encounter obstacles that get in the way of achieving those wants. Ball says there are 4 kinds of obstacles that frustrate the wants of a character. They are: a. Me against myself, b. Me against another individual, c. Me against society (that is law, social norms, etc.) and, d. Me against fate, the universe, natural forces, God or the gods. In answering these questions be sure to point to the particular obstacles that demonstrate these obstacles facing the narrator.
I'd like to discuss the Rabbi. The Rabbi was against society because he was present to hear some of the insults about Nazi's not completing their Job.
The character in the Diner was present to see actual violence start between individuals and had to escape with the reporting crew. This is an example of Me vs. another individual or individuals.
Then the kid who was actually there and saw the man hit the kids. He was confronting the man and claimed he was drunk, accusing him of being drunk. He faces another individual in this regard.
6. The most important information in most plays takes place during theatrical moments. Identify the most theatrical moments in Fires in the Mirror.
The most theatrical moment is how Cato's father made an appearance and mourns his passing. I was blindsided and wasn't expecting it at all.